Game and Fish samples for little fish in some of its bigger streams.

When you think of big water you often think of big fish. Along Wyoming?s North Platte and Bighorn rivers, images of large trout, and even walleye or sauger, often come to mind. But what about the little fish, many of which are native species? Not a lot is known on a broad scale about which small-bodied fish live in these two rivers or where they?re located.?However, recent work by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on the North Platte River shed some answers, which will lead to a similar project on the Bighorn River this spring.

New ?Get Outside!? podcast episode dives into the history of Sauger in Wyoming

This month the Wyoming Game and Fish Department?s podcast ?Get Outside!? dives into the reintroduction of Sauger to its native range in the North Platte River. The podcast? recounts the historical range and natural history of this interesting fish, and helps listeners tell the difference between sauger and walleye. Listeners can hear Episode 14: Sauger in Wyoming on Spotify, iTunes and most other podcast platforms. Subscribe to never miss an episode.

More than 100 anglers completed the Wyoming Cutt-Slam challenge in 2022

It was another successful year for anglers involved in one of the more unique fishing challenges offered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Wyoming Cutt-Slam capped its 26th year in 2022 with 123 anglers who documented catching the state?s four native subspecies of cutthroat trout: Bonneville, Colorado, Snake River and Yellowstone.

Anglers encouraged to be safe on the ice

As ice fishing season begins the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges anglers to practice safety before venturing onto the ice. Ice on many waters may not be safe, especially with variable temperatures throughout the state. Fluctuating water levels in reservoirs and wind can create dangerous ice conditions. Be aware of recent weather conditions and scout the lake you wish to fish for overflow, wet areas and open water.

Ask Game and Fish:??What safety precautions should I take if I am ice fishing alone???

With ice conditions around the state changing each week, a top priority when enjoying the outdoors is safety. The safest way to ice fish is with another person. But if you are heading out on the ice alone, Game and Fish recommends the following precautions to keep you safe and fishing this winter:?

• Tell someone where you?re headed and when you plan to be back.
• Consider going to a lake that has other anglers, just in case you need assistance. ?
• Have your cell phone with you, fully charged, and stored in a waterproof pouch (ziploc bag works fine).
• Make sure you are fishing on safe ice--at least 4 inches in depth. Never fish on ice that has been broken and refrozen.
• Wear a life jacket and carry ice picks in case of an emergency.
• Carry an emergency blanket and a set of extra clothes with your gear pack.
• Never drive a vehicle onto the ice.

How to catch lake trout ice fishing

Sportsperson Hotline: ?(307) 777-4600?| Open?8 a.m.- 5 p.m. MT Monday-Friday

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and conserves more than 800 species of fish and wildlife across Wyoming. ?For nearly 120 years, we?ve carried out our mission to conserve wildlife and serve people. Through these efforts, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department ensures the public continues to enjoy Wyoming?s vast fish and wildlife resource ?through ?hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute over a billion dollars to Wyoming?s economy each year.

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